NEPA says residents released animal back into the wild

Shanice Watson, STAR Writer

The huge Jamaican snake that was seen on social media last Friday has reportedly been released back into the wild THE STAR understands

On Friday, social media was abuzz as pictures of a massive Jamaican Yellow Boa snake, which was caught in Garlands, St James, was being heavily circulated.

The images which were shared by many on social media, show residents interacting with the shedding snake in various ways. Some were posing close to the reptile while others were snapping pictures of it.

Yesterday, when contacted, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) said when they visited the community last week, they were told the animal had since been released back into the wild.

Not poisonous

Manager of Public Education and Corporate Communication at NEPA, Dionne Rose, told our news team that officers from the agency learned of the incident and visited the site just outside of Montego Bay.

When they got there, they were informed that the snake was released into the wild.

However, Rose said if anyone is found in possession of the creature or any by-product of it, he or she will be in breach of the Wild Life Protection Act and can be fined up to J$100,000 or spend up to one year in prison.

The Jamaican Yellow Boa is endemic to Jamaica and is not poisonous or a threat to humans. It feeds mainly on rats and birds and reaches lengths of between six and seven feet.

However, the sight of the snake was enough to send social media into a frenzy when it was first posted.

The pictures of the massive creature generated quite a stir on the Internet with comments ranging from shock and disbelief to sheer amusement.

On Facebook, Georgia Barrett-Odom wrote "Humongous snake!!!!!! must have been eating cows."

Christian Timoy wrote, "Can't leave your baby outside to play anymore, a snake mite swallow he or she upharmless???? snakes eat too"

Defiant Black wrote, "Who, dem well brave. Not even picture mi nah get su close fi tek."